42

[o_capone]

unless the players are racist i doubt they would have any objection... i can't imagine any players boycotting wearing the number... so when you say they shouldn't be "forced" are you saing they should be given an option? if given an option how many players do you think would refuse? i doubt anyone would refuse...

[yvesdereuter]

Quote: Originally Posted by o_capone

unless the players are racist i doubt they would have any objection... i can't imagine any players boycotting wearing the number... so when you say they shouldn't be "forced" are you saing they should be given an option? if given an option how many players do you think would refuse? i doubt anyone would refuse...

First of all, the fact that they are required to wear it, is being forced...even if they agree with it. But secondly, lets say they are "racist"? They shouldnt be required to wear it. Also, the person wouldnt have to be a racist to object. The person could object to the principle and possibly worry about a slippery slope. Either way, the players, as it is now, are put on the spot where they look like a jerk if they object to it when they shouldnt even be in that position to begin with.

[yvesdereuter]

Quote: Originally Posted by EWRMETS

This is a pretty far out there comparison. Based on your logic, the MLB shouldn't require players to wear a standarized uniform because this is like a company forcing people to wear Islamic clothing. Your post also borders on anti-Islam.

It doesnt border on anything. Im not anti-Islam but I recognize that many would probably have a problem with the scenario I described. And like I said, the same principle that says this should not be allowed, is the same principle that says players are there to play and not be billboards or have advocacy forced on them. Its not far out there at all. I can see why someone would say that if they believe that causes become acceptable only if they agree with them.

[CMH]

The only reason it's being enforced is because MLB grew a brain.

For years players kept asking to wear 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. At first, it was basically a first come, first serve on-basis approval. Then more players asked and MLB just let them do it.

This year, MLB realized that so many guys want to honor Jackie by wearing the number that it would make more sense to just have every player wear it and honor Jackie country wide.

This is not politics. This is smart. It's right.

[o_capone]

as professional atheletes it would not be great for your career to be publicly racist... i'm sure there are plenty racist who play pro sports but they keep it to themselves... so you are right they would look like a jerk, they would lose fans, they would lose endorsements... they would alienate themselves from their team and end their career... but that still does not make what the mlb is doing wrong... and as far as someone "objecting to the principle" i just don't see that happening... they are not only honoring jackie robinson, not only honoring african-americans, they are honoring the diversity of america... baseball is "america's game" and this #42 thing is just one more thing that helps rebuild america's tarnished image... this country has a pretty embarassing past, things like this will help move past those times...

[o_capone]

Quote: Originally Posted by yvesdereuter

It doesnt border on anything. Im not anti-Islam but I recognize that many would probably have a problem with the scenario I described. And like I said, the same principle that says this should not be allowed, is the same principle that says players are there to play and not be billboards or have advocacy forced on them. Its not far out there at all. I can see why someone would say that if they believe that causes become acceptable only if they agree with them.

how can you honestly compare forcing religion on someone with honoring someone by wearing a jersey number??

[yvesdereuter]

Quote: Originally Posted by o_capone

as professional atheletes it would not be great for your career to be publicly racist... i'm sure there are plenty racist who play pro sports but they keep it to themselves... so you are right they would look like a jerk, they would lose fans, they would lose endorsements... they would alienate themselves from their team and end their career... but that still does not make what the mlb is doing wrong... and as far as someone "objecting to the principle" i just don't see that happening... they are not only honoring jackie robinson, not only honoring african-americans, they are honoring the diversity of america... baseball is "america's game" and this #42 thing is just one more thing that helps rebuild america's tarnished image... this country has a pretty embarassing past, things like this will help move past those times...

No one is questioning that it wouldnt be beneficial for them to be a racist. Im not even sure your point there. They shouldnt even be in the situation where such a conflict exists. Again, MLB shouldnt be pushing this and, again, there are a couple of reasons for that.

[yvesdereuter]

Quote: Originally Posted by YankeePride

The only reason it's being enforced is because MLB grew a brain. For years players kept asking to wear 42 on Jackie Robinson Day. At first, it was basically a first come, first serve on-basis approval. Then more players asked and MLB just let them do it. This year, MLB realized that so many guys want to honor Jackie by wearing the number that it would make more sense to just have every player wear it and honor Jackie country wide. This is not politics. This is smart. It's right.

Its not really right. I mean, its right if the players want to do it. And its ok for MLB to let them do it if the players want to do it. But to require them to do it is not ok.